Experts weigh in after 16-year old gets in a bad accident over the weekend
A 16-year-old girl is at Munson Hospital tonight with critical injuries after a crash in Charlevoix County.
Sandra McDonald of Ellsworth lost control on Six Mile Lake Road and hit a tree late Saturday night.
She was found early Sunday morning trapped in the car.
Investigators say the roads were snow covered and slippery.
This accident is a reminder that winter weather is dangerous, and it can be that much more difficult to navigate for those with little experience behind the wheel.
So what can you do as a parent to help?
We spoke to a couple driving experts to give us some hints, and they say the more experience, the better.
"She’s 16 years of age, and obviously doesn't have the years of experience driving," explained Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider.
There's still no saying what exactly happened when emergency crews found this car mangled early Sunday morning, with 16 year old Sandra McDonald trapped inside.
“The roads weren't only slippery, but they were rough," explained Schneider.
McDonald is now in Munson Medical Center, listed in critical condition. Sheriff Don Schneider says in many of these types of cases, it comes down to the young driver's inexperience behind the wheel. Driving experts I talked to say parents can give their kids an edge.
"Experience is a big thing. If they can get them out a few days in snowstorms, or parking lots, or side roads, the kids learn," said Theresa Woodgate, a driving instructor.
Theresa Woodgate says putting inexperienced drivers into possible winter driving situations can teach a lot.
"Don’t always press speed to the max, drive to your ability and your conditions that your traveling with today," explained instructor Denny Proctor.
Another word of advice; teach them the 70-30 ability rule. What this means is in bad weather conditions, drive 70 percent of your ability, leaving 30 percent to make corrections if you do in fact lose control. And if there is a skid.
"Hang on to the wheel, get off the gas, get off the break, do nothing with your feet, steer only," said Woodgate.
And look to the direction you want the car to go.
The instructors say getting out and putting kids into the situations can also help with the panic factor.
They say if you don't panic, you can usually steer out of a skid.
